NAME: Abagail Grayson
AGE: 24
HOMETOWN: Butler, PA
HIGHSCHOOL ATTENDED: Butler High
BIRTHDAY: December 29, 1918
ZODIAC: Capricorn
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Married
INCOME: $1500
OCCUPATION: Newspaper Reporter
THE UNITED STATES ANSWERS BACK TO JAPAN external image 350px-Doolittle_LtCol_g41191.jpg
Yesterday, April 18, 1942, the United States finally struck back at Japan. It has been almost five months since the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the American spirits were still disheartened. This Pearl Harbor-style air raid lifted the spirits of Americans and dampened the one’s in Japan (Danzer et al 579). The daring air raid was suggested by a young navy officer (“The Doolittle Raid” 1). Lt. Colonel James H. Doolittle, age 45, was appointed for to lead the attack against Japan (“The Doolittle Raid”). Doolittle chose medium sized, twin-engine bombers to carry out this blow to Tokyo, Japan. These planes were picked because they could take off from a very short runway (“The Doolittle Raid” 1).
Doolittle told his crew of raiders that he was going to take off first and go alone to attack Japan at dusk. The sounds of his bombs annihilating the target would act as a navigator for the other fifteen planes. The remaining 15 bombers, in 5 formations of three, were given industry and energy targets in Japan (“The Doolittle Raid” 1).
Sixteen bombers took off from the aircraft, Hornet, and headed for Japan. The bombers struck before the Japanese even knew what hit them! They are still unsure where the attack was launched and President Roosevelt is not giving any clues (“Chronicles” 536).
The attack is going to be named after the man that led the United States to victory, Lt. Colonel James H. Doolittle. The assault left many buildings destroyed. Other results of the Doolittle Raid are very upsetting. Three pilots died due to accidents and eight other pilots were captured (“What was the Doolittle Raid” 1).
It has been a great day for the United States in the war. Let’s hope the war is on its way to an end soon. This blow to Japan has weakened the Japanese spirits and hopes. I hope it has weakened the Japanese troops as well.

WORKS CITED:
Danzer, Gerald A. et al. The Americans. Evanston, IL: McDougal Little, 2003.

“Doolittle’s Bombers Hit Surprised Tokyo.” Chronicle. Mount Kisco, NY:
Chronicle Publications, 1987.

“Doolittle’s Raid.” The Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Photos. 2007. 23. Oct. 2007.
<http://www.doolittleraider.com/raid_photos.htm>
“The Doolittle Raid.” The Doolittle Raid. 23 Oct. 2007.
http://www.2worldwar2.com/doolittle-raid.htm